The top 10 menswear trends – and how you wear them

Get your spring and summer style inspiration now.

1 Março 2017

PHOTO: HENRIK LUNDELL

STYLING: ELLEN PÅLSSON NORBERG

Winter is – finally – behind us and now is the time that actually
should be called the New Year. And there’s no better way to take on a
new era than with a new – or at least moderately updated – style. We
studied the runways and consulted the experts (i.e. H&M’s menswear
designers) to make sure your style will be on point over the coming months.

STATEMENT STRIPES Stripes are making a grand comeback this
spring and summer, but it isn’t your trusted pinstripes and Bretons
that are the main trend this season. To ace the striped trend, you
should opt for items in less ordinary fabrics and colour schemes than
you usually do. This season’s stripes draw inspiration from retro
sportswear, pyjamas, beach towels and even old-school umbrellas. If
you’re someone who likes to play it safe, a classic black and white
long-sleeved T-shirt is a good jumping-off point. If you’re not
playing it safe – feel free to mix and match.

NEW SHADES OF DENIM Did you think the denim trend was over?
Think again. Regardless of gender or geographical location, denim
plays an important role in everyone’s sartorial life. In 2017, we’re
still down to go full Canadian tuxedo, but with less ordinary shapes,
silhouettes and washes on our jeans. Mention white denim, smart denim
trousers or jeans with high-low hemlines and fringes – and we’re all ears.

PINK FEVER From powder and bubble-gum to magenta and fuchsia.
Pink is the shot of colour you need to elevate your everyday style
this spring. Pink in different shades on T-shirts and sweatshirts, or
if you’re bold – on bomber jackets and coats. Right now pink works
better in a casual, streetwear context than in a more tailored and
smart one. So it may be wise to stay away from the pink polos, smart
trousers and dress shirts. But hey, that’s just a suggestion!

PEACOCKING After seasons of athleisure, minimalism and
monochrome ensembles, menswear is finally embracing bright colours,
vivid prints and embellishments. Peacocking stands in stark contrast
to most other spring and summer trends, and hangs on to some of last
summer’s key items: souvenir jackets, socks in sandals and floral and
fauna printed garments. Will you dare?

UPDATED ICONS Updating your wardrobe fundamentals is always on
trend – but why not explore further and find new ways to wear them?
Blue jeans, a well-fitted suit jacket and a pair of formal shoes are a
safe ensemble. This trend is all about the iconic items, but in
re-worked and updated versions. Instead of timeless pieces –
try re-constructed denim, a trench coat in an unexpected material or a
suit jacket with fringes.

SMART SPORT Technical materials, unorthodox layering and
sportswear details on formal items. The merge of sportswear and
formalwear is one of the most defining menswear tendencies in recent
years and it shows no sign of losing ground. Opt for timeless garments
in functional materials or just clash your suit trousers with a pair
of sneakers, and a transparent anorak underneath a blazer.

THE FASHION REBEL You’re probably already wearing this trend –
because it draws references from several of the big tendencies in
recent years' menswear and is quite difficult to pin down. There are
elements of punk and grunge, but overall a fashion rebel has an
anti-fashion approach to dressing. By mixing different styles and
references, this trend will make you appear oblivious to fashion,
although you definitely aren’t. Key items include biker jackets,
perfectly ripped jeans, concert T-shirts and a hint of normcore.

BACK IN THE USSR Two of the most influential figures in
fashion right now are Gosha Rubchinskiy and Demna Gvasalia. Both
designers were born in the USSR and their approach to fashion –
influenced by a post-Soviet aesthetic – has had great impact on the
industry in general and street style and Instagram influencers in
particular. The trend is a bit provocative, merges 90s skate style
with grunge and mixes in lots of logos and loud graphics. Key pieces
are track jackets, beaten denim, tube socks and printed T-shirts and hoodies.

THE BACKPACKER Modern men are always on the move, and they
carry their possessions with them. That’s why it’s high time to let go
of any associations you have between the grown-up backpack and the one
you used to carry maths books and gym kit in back in primary school.
The backpack combines fashion and function, and is superior to any
other bag in the menswear spectrum. Whatever style you’re into –
whether it’s a retro suede one or a more contemporary nylon model –
you can’t go wrong once you strap it on. However, the key styles this
spring and summer draw references from 90s streetwear – which means
shiny nylons, zips and no more than two pockets.

UNIFORM Heavy layers, practical details, dark-green shades and
lots of military influences make up this season’s uniformal trend in
menswear. Many of the most timeless items (from the trench to the
bomber jacket) derive from military garb, and uniformal fashion works
more as a seasonal update than an actual trend. Nevertheless, it’s
even more relevant now than previous seasons to dress all-green and
update your wardrobe with NATO sweaters and cargo trousers.